2011 von Strasser Winery 'Rudy' Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

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Mission Codename: The Benefactor

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to von Strasser Winery, a wine Spies Operative favorite. Procure their 2011 “Rudy” Sauvignon Blanc, a brilliant Super QPR summertime wine. Secure as many cases as possible.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: von Strasser Winery

Wine Subject: 2011 Rudy Sauvignon Blanc – Napa Valley

Winemaker: Rudy von Strasser

Backgrounder: Best known for its exceptional, ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon, von Strasser Winery sits stop Napa Valley’s high-elevation, on Diamond Mountain. von Strasser Cabs are revered for their elegance and exceptional quality. Having recently wontwo perfect 100 Point scores for their Cabernets, von Strasser wines are in hot demand.

von Strasser’s Rudy label shares the remarkable pedigree with the winery’s signature von Strasser label. Rudy wines are crafted with the same care and superior winemaking.

Winery Backgrounder: von Strasser winery is located in the Diamond District AVA (American Viticultural Area) at the northern tip of the Napa Valley. The higher elevation of the region sees more direct sunlight and less cooling that the rest of the valley, leading to the production of some of the most sought after Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon in the entire Napa Valley.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Light golden yellow, from core to edge, with perfect clarity. When spun, the wine settles quickly, leaving behind tall columns of slow-moving skinny legs that start high on the glass.

Smell – Before even listing the glass to the nose, aromas of citrus and green melon leap from the glass. Inhale the wine up close and find green apple, freshly cut lemongrass, yellow straw and lemon curd.

Feel – Soft and round, on entry. At the mid-palate, the wine takes on a vibrant, refreshing, medium-structured feel with a defined mineral edginess to it at the corners of the mouth. After the wine passes the palate, it introduces a hint of dryness that spreads from the edges of the palate, inward toward the center.

Taste – Bright and light with citrus, young (underripe) white peach, young pear, lemon zest and a hint of pineapple. As the wine warms, even just a little, additional flavors of white flower petals, lemongrass, key lime, flinty minerals and a subtle hint of dried herbs.

Finish – Very long and full of bright flavors, with citrus fruit giving way to white flowers that slowly yield to flint and very subtle dried herbs.

Conclusion – We love you, Rudy von Strasser! Thank you for crafting a super-quality Sauvignon Blanc that drinks like a far higher-priced wine. Today’s superb 2011 Rudy Sauvignon Blanc_ is a delicious, refreshing, complex wine that our tasting panel unanimously agreed was the best under-$20 Sauvignon Blanc* any of us had ever tasted. We’ve always been enamored of Rudy’s wines and, in fact, von Strasser wines hold a handful of spots in our Top 20 Best-Selling Wines of all time. One sip of today’s wine and you’ll understand why Rudy’s wines are so popular. Oh, and you’ll also be hooked. This wine is extraordinarily food-friendly. Pair with sea food or a spicy Thai meal. We paired ours with freshly made grill pan pizza with lemon and olive oil-tossed arugula, sliced dried figs, Gorgonzola and prosciutto. This pairing was sheer heaven!

2008 Bonneau Wines Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

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Mission Codename: The end of the Rainbow

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Bonneau Wines, whose 2008 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel has been winning awards, including a recent 90 Point score from Wine Spctator Magazine. Infiltrate the winery and secure a sizable allocation for our Zin-loving Operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Bonneau Wines

Wine Subject: 2008 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

Winemaker: John Bambury

Backgrounder:

The Dry Creek Valley across the Russian River from Alexander Valley has a generally cooler and wetter climate which makes the growing season longer and more flexible than neighboring appellations. This is an area best known for producing rather incredible Zinfandel.

Zinfandel is related to the Italian Primitivo grape, tracing its origin to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kastelanski. Zinfandel is one of the most versatile varietals with the ability to make wines, both rich to fruity, dark to light, and dry to sweet. Dry Creek ValleyZinfandel, which are characterized by their balanced flavors, is among the most popular wines of our Operatives.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep ruby hues, with perfect color concentration, from core of the wine to the edge of the glass. After swirling, thick, wine-colored legs take a long time to emerge, before they begin to run slowly down the glass.

Smell – Dark and foreboding with a heady rush of spiced black cherry, ripe blackberry, dark wild strawberry and sweet red plum. When the wine opens up, it brings forth dried leather, tobacco, brown spice, subtle dried herbs and black pepper.

Feel – Initially light and soft, the wine gains some weight and complexity as it settles onto the mid-palate. Ripe tannins and a medium acidity provide a wonderful frame for the complex fruit.

Taste – Blackberry, wild strawberry and spiced cherry take the lead. These are followed by dark raspberry, dusty bramble, dried tobacco leaf, dusty earth, brown spice, dried fall leaves and a soft hint of black pepper at the tail end.

Finish – Fruit flavors linger for a very long time, gradually giving way to dark earthen notes of tobacco, spice and leather. The very end of the finish is punctuated by a gum-tingling zing of soft black pepper.

Conclusion – We went crazy for the 2007 vintage of this wine, but we must declare this 2008 Bonneau Winery Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel to be a superior big brother to that earlier release. Characterized by dark, juicy, bold fruit and an earthy complexity, this is a wonderful wine to sip, swirl and discuss. As you swirl the wine, it opens up to reveal more authentic fruit flavors and a softer, more elegant overall feel. This is a fun progression to witness and enjoy. Pair with your favorite BBQ - and be sure to stock up. You’ll want enough to get you through the summer.

Mission Report:
h3. Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: John Bambury, Vintner

WINE EDUCATION: OTJ! Learn as I grow, invest & produce.

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: I’ve been a Salesman, Entrepreneur & Grower all my business career. Winemaking is a relatively new departure.

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Make it easy to enjoy right now & worth having for any special occasion.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: Seek & you’ll discover.

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: Our 2002 Catherine’s Vineyard Estate Grown Chardonnay was officially released January 2004.



WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, John. We are thrilled to be showing your 2008 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

JOHN BAMBURY: It’s always a pleasure to be here with you.

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

JOHN: I’ve always been interested in cooking & making recipes better. I took that philosophy to my winemaking endeavors. I’m meticulous about growing grapes, optimizing harvest & sorting fruit for superior quality. The rest of the program involves doting over the soak, fermention & aging process to make sure the best qualities of the fruit is emphasized.

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

JOHN: I’ve had tutelage from three wine masters Phillip Titus at Chappellet; Randle Johnson at Hess Collection & Rick Tracy Great Grand Wine Guru.

RED: Who do you make wine for?

JOHN: I make wine the way I like to drink it—as the best compliment to food.

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

JOHN: This wine comes from grapes grown at a small vineyard just off Litton Springs Rd in Dry Creek Valley. The south facing hillside allowed the grapes to come to full maturity just before the first fall rains in 2008. From the get go the wine exhibited intense flavors of raspberries & spice. It’s one of my most favorite wines. So much so, that I reserved 4 barrels to age another year in new French & American Oak.

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

JOHN: This wine goes great with nutty tasting cheeses like aged gouda or it’s a delicious compliment to barbecued meats.

RED: In your opinion, what makes the Dry Creek Valley such a special place for Zinfandel?

JOHN: The Dry Creek is one of the warmest spots in Sonoma County. The climate the alluvial soils combine to offer ideal conditions for cultivating heat loving grapes like Zinfandel. I think Dry Creek Zinfandel wines are more elegant than those from other appellations.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

JOHN: I’ve been busy this off season expanding & upgrading our winery in Sonoma. We’re putting in new state-of-art de-stemming, sorting & processing equipment made in France by Bucher Vaslin that will sharpen our quality & improve our efficiency. So we’re looking forward to the 2012 vintage.

RED: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

JOHN: They’re ready drink. So try them & enjoy them now. If you really like your selection put 6-10 bottles away & try them every six months to see how it’s developing. Our wines are made as reward for a great discovery.

RED: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

JOHN: Fine wine is loaded with nuances. Look for interesting characteristics in our wines. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Bonneau winery can be seen in thissatellite photo.

2008 Toolbox Wine Co. "THIRST" J.T. Snow Cabernet Sauvignon

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Mission Codename: Doing Well by Doing Good

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Infiltrate Toolbox Wine Company, whose spectacular 2008 THIRST Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon captivated Agent Red during a recent covert tasting. Procure an ample allocation for our well-deserving Operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Toolbox Wine Company

Wine Subject: 2008 THIRST Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemakers: Katie Hamilton Shaffer & Nancy Otton

Backgrounder: Napa Cabernet Sauvignon continues to dominate as the leader in California red wine. For good reason, too, as Napa produces some of the richest and most delicious examples on the planet. The fruit from this wine hails from Maroon Vineyards (a Wine Spies Operative Favorite) in newly designated Coombsville AVA. The Coombsville region, just east of Napa City proper, is best known for producing exquisite Napa Valley Cabernet.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Beautiful dark ruby hues, with bold magenta at the edges. After swirling, the wine settles quickly, leaving behind short columns of skinny, wine-colored tears that move slowly down the glass.

Smell – Heady, sweet, lush and warm, with a bold rush of blueberry, blackberry and raspberry right up front. These are accompanied by sweet spice, fresh red rose petals, cigar box, Bing cherry, subtle leather and a hint of cured meats.

Feel – Soft and silky on the attack, lightweight across the mid-palate. After a moment, fine-grained tannins and balanced acids add a gradually encroaching complexity.

Taste – Juicy and ripe, with generous mixed blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and wild strawberry fruit in the lead. These flavors yield to braised black fig, supple leather, black and red flower petals, dark tobacco, flint, black pepper and softest brown spice.

Finish – Juicy and delicious with long-lingering red and black berry that fades to reveal flint, black pepper, leather and flower petals.

Conclusion – Beautiful! Our tasting panel is in love with this lovely, delicious, approachable, food-friendly gem of a wine. Today’s 2008 Toolbox Wine Co. THIRSTNapa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon gets our very hearty recommendation. This great Napa Cabernet has just the right amount complexity to make it a compelling wine, without sacrificing accessibility. In other words, this wine is interesting while also being easy-drinking. In fact, it is so easy to imbibe that we found ourselves taking big gulps of the wine, in order to enjoy the depth of flavors and lush feel. Pair this elegant, juicy wine as you would a classic Cali Cab. We enjoyed ours with a garlic and rock salt rubbed t-bone steak. The combination was sublime. Enjoy now, but cellar a few bottles for the next decade and beyond. When you’re done with the bottle, put it on your mantle. The metal label is something to marvel at!

Mission Report:
WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Katie Hamilton Shaffer & partner Nancy Otton

WINE EDUCATION: School of Hard Knocks

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Chef, quality assurance manager, forklift queen, sweeper and chief bottler…

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Wine is THIRST for thought. Drink what you like, make what you like more.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: ”Serious Wines. Playful Marketing”

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: We launched our winery in 2009, releasing a few varietals. This 2008THIRST however is the first release of our reserve collectors “Signature Series” with J.T. Snow, having released just this past January…



WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Katie and Nancy! We are thrilled to be showing your 2008 THIRST Cabernet Sauvignon today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

WINEMAKERS: Thanks for having me! Glad you were spying on me…

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

WINEMAKERS: I wanted to go to Culinary School but they didn’t have a soccer team ;o) Could you imagine that soccer team? I took a college soccer scholarship and after playing ball decided to fulfill my culinary/wine passion moving to Napa Valley – I worked as a private chef for a short time and fell in love with the craft of wine and all that surrounded it: bringing together friends, family and conversation while enhancing any great meal and the deepest expression of nature. It’s one of the only things in life I have the most control over, allowing me to produce something I not only like, but crafting to express who I am through the bottle… I still think that Culinary Soccer team would be a funnySNL skit!

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

WINEMAKERS: Steve Reynolds is a dear friend of mine and pioneer in the wine business. I look up to him because he also took his passion and hobby and made it happen…

RED: Who do you make wine for?

WINEMAKERS: Me, myself and I… My partner Nancy and I make what we like and hope everyone agrees!

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

WINEMAKERS: Toolbox is dedicated to crafting quality yet affordable wines, that give back. The mission forTHIRST is to allow our consumers to personally pay it forward and feel fulfilled not only through the glass, but beyond the bottle. We partnered with my friend J.T. Snow, former MLB player and 6-time golden glover. But MOST IMPORTANTLY San Francisco Giant! Sorry Dodger Fans…In 2010 J.T.’s niece Raquel was diagnosed with a rare disease – Wolfram syndrome. Dedicated to raising funds to support researchers at Washington University School of Medicine working to stop the progression of this disease, a portion of proceeds through “THIRST” is donated to the Jack and J.T. Snow Fund at Washington University in St. Louis. We wanted to craft a serious wine with a unique mission, but at a reasonable price. With each vintage,THIRST will change its label “texture” literally merging baseball memorabilia and wine. This “signature series” 2008 initial launch is a hand crafted antiqued pewter from France – we HAND LABEL every single bottle personally. Yes, no joke. I label each and every one. SO, if you buy multiple bottles I can guarantee that no bottle is the same. And don’t judge me if one is crooked – joking, well not really. 2009 will venture to the embossed wood of baseball bat. 2010, embossed brown leather of the baseball mitt, followed by 2011 the embossed leather of baseball with red stitches… a collector’s series indeed!

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

WINEMAKERS: FOOD. I’m not that stickler that tells you only a braised short rib or pork belly is the only pairing. Though that would rock! I think wine is all about the people that surround you, the conversation and your enjoyment of the story told within the glass. Hence our Toolbox tagline: “Serious Wines. Playful Marketing.” Drink what you like, life is too short to judge…

RED: In your opinion, what makes the Coombsville AVAsuch a special place for Cabernet Sauvignon?

WINEMAKERS: We sourced this fruit from Maroon Winery. At the time Coombsville was not a designatedAVA so we could only specify Napa Valley. However, now a designated appellation, Coombsville vintners production mirrors that of Napa Valley at large focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordelais varietals. With varied soil types and numerous meso-climates spread throughout its rolling landscape Coombsville wines can be recognized by their typically soft but significant tannins, which provide excellent structure and mouthfeel, along with underlying layers of earth and mineral flavors. We did add in a small amount of Zinfandel which brought out a brighter less tannic fruit to this vintage.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

WINEMAKERS: Building our new Toolbox brand/label along with having just launched THIRST in partnership with the SF Giants. Doing a lot of traveling/hosting pouring events with J.T. and just generally keeping my head above water (or wine)

RED: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

WINEMAKERS: I don’t think our wine should be judged, simply appreciated for its quality and uniqueness.

RED: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

WINEMAKERS: How do you “THIRST it Forward” and give back?

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

WINEMAKERS: Thanks!!

2007 Mauro Molino Barolo Vigna Gallinotto DOCG

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Mission Codename: A Most Fertile Cru

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Secure an allocation of exclusive and limited production single cru Barolo for our operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Mauro Molino

Wine Subject: 2007 Barolo Vigna Gallinotto DOCG

Winemaker: Mauro Molino

Backgrounder: The greatest of all Italian wines are arguably made with from the Nebbiolo grape. The wines of the Barolo DOCG are made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes. Nebbiolo, native to the Piedmont in north-west Italy and cultivated in the region since the 13th century is generally a bolder than its little sister Barbaresco. The late ripening Nebbiolo is known to be highly influenced by various soil and vineyard conditions, with the wines from the best vineyard sites having sublime character.

Most people don’t give Barolo enough time and drink them young, but those patient enough to wait at least 7 – 8 years, and often as much as 20 plus years are handsomely rewarded with a wine that is the ultimate expression of the grape. The most prized bottlings of Barolo are those from an exceptional single vineyardsuch as today’s from the Gallinotto Cru.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dense and deep garnet red with ruby and subtle orange streaks that shine through its clear core and along the edges when held to the light. When swirled, slow thin and legs hang before descending to the wine below.

Smell – Bold and rich and ripe dark cherry, tart blackberry, plum and other red berries blends with black licorice and dusty earthy mineral notes . Toasted oak and other wood aromas, spice, a touch of green herbs and hints of dried floral violets and zesty tar adds complexity to the nose.

Feel – This dry and medium to full-bodied wine is smooth and finely textured; with smooth but sturdy tannins are smooth and generous and slightly chewy. Lively acidity and smoothly-etched minerality provides a framework for the elegant flavors than last long into the finish.

Taste – Ripe and rich red and dark cherry flavors blend with blackberry and juicy plum and are layered with powder fine dusty minerality and subtle earthy notes. Black licorice, toasted oak and wood, sweet tobacco, dried green herbs, dried violets, slightly sweet vanilla toast, hints of exotic spice box and hints of tar adds depth.

Finish – Very long, smooth and rich with this wines finely textured minerality, lively acid and sturdy tannins gripping onto the palate as the dark fruit, spice and minerality other complex flavors elegantly linger.

Conclusion – The 2007 Mauro Molino Barolo Vigna Gallinotto DOCG is a wine of great finesse and distinction. Slightly lighter in body than a typical Barolo. Classic dark cherry and other dark red fruit blend with classic Piedmont complexity on the nose and palate all framed by a balanced and well structured mouthfeel. Pair this wine with classic Piedmontese cuisine or a juicy grilled steak tonight or cellar for the next ten plus years.
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Mission Report:

We are working to gather an interview with winemaker Mauro Molino and will post it as soon as it becomes available.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location La Morra where the grapes for this wine were grown can be seen in this satellite photo.

2007 Torii Mor Winery 'La Cuilere' Member's Reserve Pinot Noir

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Mission Codename: The Golden Spoon

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Send Agent Red back to Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley, where unique Pinot Noirs are born. Infiltrate Torii Mor Winery, whose Pinot Noirs have been earning stellar scores. Secure an ample allocation for our Pinot-loving Operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Torii Mor

Wine Subject: 2007 La Cuillère Members Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

Winemaker: Chris Williams

Backgrounder: Oregon’s Willamette Valley, just south of Portland and along the Willamette River is well known for Pinot Noir and other Burgundian varietals. Its deep and fertile volcanic soil, cooler climate most directly effect viticulture. Most of the vineyards in this area are planted in the valley’s and hillsides along the river.

Today, we celebrate Torii Mor Winery and winemaker, Jacques Tardy, whose family has been engaged in wine making and grape growing over the last five generations, in France. Read Agent Red’s tasting notes, along with his interview with Jacques Tardy, below.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Gorgeous ruby hues and perfect clarity, from the core of the wine, out to the pink edges. When swirled, thick tears take a long time to form – before falling slowly, from low on the glass wall.

Smell – Lush and full, with aromas of black cherry, earthy tobacco, dried fall leaves, wild strawberry and raspberry bramble. As the wine opens, it reveals soft spice, dark chocolate and cigar box with hints of dried orange peel and pine needles.

Feel – Velvet-smooth and round with a satiny entry. As the wine moves onto the mid-palate, it gains weight and dimension, with balanced acids and supple tannins adding complexity and intrigue.

Taste – Bright black and red fruit take lead with black cherry, wild strawberry candy, young blackberry and Bing cherry in the lead. As the wine breathes, it opens up, revealing cigar box, forest floor, dried cranberry with hints of subtle dried herbs and flint.

Finish – Long, sweet and flavorful, with long-sustaining bright red fruit, earth and soft spice. At the end, hints of subtle dried herbs and flinty minerals appear as the palate becomes slightly dry.

Conclusion – Recommended, and available in very limited quantity, today’s 2007 Torii Mor La Cuillère Members Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a delightful, delicious, approachable wine. Once the wine opened up (we recommend decanting for at least 30 minutes) our tasting panel found itself taking largegulps of this wine. This wine shows off its terroir, with plenty of characteristic earthiness, but it was the sweet and tart red fruits that really got our attention; the fruit was balanced, red, delicious and just juicy enough to make it more widely appealing to lovers of California Pinot Noir. In other words, this wine is distinctly Oregon but with just the right amount of California flair. Pair this elegant, flexible and food-friendly wine with lamb or a savory grilled chicken dish. Act qquickly, dear Operative, this wine will sell out.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the VINEYARD can be seen in thissatellite photo.

2009 Hagafen Cellars Prix Vineyards Reserve White Riesling

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Mission Codename: Grand Prix

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Hagafan Cellars, a Napa Valley gem found along the Silverado Trail in the Napa Valley. Taste their Prix Reserve 2009 Napa Valley White Riesling, a wine reported to be a perfect Summertime sipper. If the wine is exceptional, secure an allocation for our growing base of Riesling-loving Operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Prix Vineyards (Hagafen Cellars)

Wine Subject: Prix Reserve 2009 Napa Valley White Riesling

Winemaker: Ernie Weir

Backgrounder: Hagafen Cellars produces a diverse selection of prized varietals while remaining a hidden gem among wine industry giants. Nestled along the Silverado Trail in the exciting Stags Leap District, Hagafen Cellars is a gold medal-winning winery that crafts small lots of distinctive and delicious wines. Today’s special Riesling was limited to a 400 case production.

Varietal Backgrounder: Riesling is a white grape variety which originated in the Rhine region of Germany. Riesling is an aromatic grape variety displaying flowery, almost perfumed, aromas. The varietals high acidity makes it a wonderful food companion.

Riesling is used to make dry, semi-sweet, sweet and sparkling white wines. Riesling wines are usually varietally pure and are seldom oaked. As of 2004, Riesling was estimated to be the world’s 20th most grown variety at 48,700 hectares (120,000 acres) but in terms of importance for quality wines, it is usually included in the top three white wine varieties together with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Riesling is a variety which is highly terroir-expressive, meaning that the character of Riesling wines is clearly influenced by the wine’s place of origin. Today’s Napa Valley Riesling is a refreshing, sweet, complex and well-balanced wine that deserves your attention.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Perfect clarity through a pale golden yellow heart of the wine. After swirling, short, chubby legs move slowly down the glass wall.

Smell – Sweet, earthy and very aromatic, lead by orange blossom, jasmine, creamed wildflower honey and young citrus. As the wine warms, it opens up, revealing dried white flowers, dried earth and slate.

Feel – Voluptuous and round with a satiny feel that glides across the entire palate. After a few moments, softest tannin and bright acids combine to give drive flavors and a light minerality (slate) to the far corners of the mouth.

Taste – Balanced between sweet, tart and softly earthy, this complex Riesling delivers creamed lavender honey, orange blossom, sweet citrus, pear, minerals and a hint of fresh apricot.

Finish – Long and full of flavor, with sweet flavors gently yielding to flavors of flowers, soft slate and apricot.

Conclusion – Sweet, delicious and with just the right amount of complexity, this is a very lush, elegant, soft and easy-drinking wine. Certainly on the sweet side, this is a wine that can be served as a pre-meal aperitif or with the dessert course. I paired mine with a spicy Thai meal. It was absolutely perfect, cutting the spice and cleansing the palate between bites. The finish is persistent and sweet, with just the right amount of dryness at the tail end. Our entire tasting panel fell in love with this wine, which we enjoyed during a special outdoor tasting on a sweltering Wine Country afternoon. Buy some for summer, but be sure to stock some for the Holidays. This wine gets our heartiest recommendation.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Ernie. We are thrilled to be showing your 2009 Prix Napa Valley Reserve White Riesling today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

ERNIE WEIR: It is great to be back with you, once again, Red.

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

ERNIE: I have always had an attraction to this revered beverage.

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

ERNIE: I was enamored with the wines of Louis Martini in the 70s as I recall

RED: Who do you make wine for?

ERNIE: Most decidedly, we produce wines for consumers to enjoy

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

ERNIE: Our 2009 Prix Napa Valley Reserve White Riesling is Estate Bottled from our Vichy Ave ranch, where the grapes for this delicious wine are organically grown.

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

ERNIE: Fire and Ice! That is flavorful, spicy, Asian cuisine.

RED: In your opinion, what makes the Napa Valley so special?

ERNIE: The southern half of Napa Valley with its cool nights is ideal for the longer ripening needed to develop the fruity esters.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

ERNIE: We’re already prepping for harvest!

RED: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

ERNIE: Take it easy, do not fear and enjoy

RED: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

ERNIE: Make sure to share the wine with someone you enjoy, the experience will be one worth remembering

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Hagafen Cellars Estate vineyards and winery can be seen in this satellite photo.

 

2009 Muscardini Cellars Madrone Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon

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Mission Codename: Kissed by the Sun

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Send Agent Red in search of a stellar, single-vineyard Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, worthy of our Operative’s exacting tastes.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Muscardini Cellars

Wine Subject: 2009 Madrone Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker: Michael Muscardini

Backgrounder: Madrone Ridge’s vineyards sit on a sunny 5 acre hillside on the slopes on Arrowhead Mountain. Planted in 1997-1998, the vineyards nestle among the Mayacamas mountains, a low range separating Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Legendary viticulturist John Caldwell consulted through all phases of vineyard construction. John pioneered the use of Madrone Ridge’s French clone rootstock.

The vineyard is in the Sonoma Valley AVA. One of the oldest wine growing regions in California, the first vines being were planted in the early 1800s. The AVAis located along California Route 12 and its eastern boundary are the southern end of the Mayacama mountains. The unique micro-climate with less rainfall and fog than other parts of the region along with its unique soil provides ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Darkest ruby at the edges, transitioning, quickly, to dark garnet at the slightly opaque core. Spin the wine and it settles quickly, leaving behind razor-thin, wine stained tears that rocket down the glass.

Smell – A bold rush of black cherry, candied blackberry and spice rush up to greet the nose. Then, tobacco, leather, toasty oak, bramble, dark dried fall leaves, cigar box and dried truffle follow on.

Feel – Soft and silky-smooth at the entry, then quickly grippy, with plush tannins that spread a mineral-rich dryness from the tip of the tongue to the far corners of the palate. The wine is very well-structured and very balanced on the palate.

Taste – Big black cherry, blackberry and dark cocoa powder meld with dried tobacco, dried black flower petals, brown spice and dried leather. As the wine opens up, dried dark wild strawberry, dusty bramble, dried black plum and earthy toasted oak appear.

Finish – Very long and packed with dark fruit flavors that slowly yield to more exotic, earthy flavors of dried black flowers, spice, cocoa and a hint of black pepper that 
flavorful, with extended fruit flavors that gradually yield to more subtle earthen flavors.

Conclusion – Recommended!! Today’s 2009 Madrone Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, from our dear friends at Muscardini Cellars, delivers a classic, delicious, bold but balanced wine that rivals the best that Napa Valley has to offer. This generous and, in our opinion, under-priced wine is a remarkable value. Drinking beautifully, now, this 2009 portends get things for the vintage – and for its own future. Drink now, but be certain to cellar a handful of bottles. This wine is built for aging and we’ll be laying down a few bottles for the next decade or more. Pair with a salt and pepper rubbed t-bone off the grill.

2010 Vitus Napa Valley Rosé of Merlot

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Mission Codename: Rhône Colored Glasses

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Revisit or friends at Vitus and secure a limited allocation of their delicious Rosé of Merlot, an elegant, balanced summertime wine.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Vitus Napa Valley

Wine Subject: 2010 Rosé of Merlot

Winemaker: John Gilpin

Backgrounder: The Wine Spies are always on the hunt for the best wines that we can find. When it comes to Rosé , we are exceedingly difficult to please. Today’s wine comes to us from a Wine Spies favorite, Vitus Wines, whose delicious Rosé offers supple softness and beautiful balance – making it an elegant summertime sipper.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Gorgeous light salmon pink hues with perfectly even color from core to edge. When swirled, the wine catches the light, casting off glinting pink highlights. When the wine settles, tall columns of skinny tears fall quickly down the glass.

Smell – Sweet and lively, with sweet jasmine, honeysuckle, creamed honey, pink & red rose petals and strawberry essence. As the wine warms, just slightly, it reveals pink grapefruit, dried apricot and dried cherry.

Feel – Ultra smooth and satiny at the tip of the tongue and across the mid-palate. This softness spreads to the far corners of the palate. Then, as the wine settles onto the palate, it becomes slightly grippy as plush tannins emerge. The bright acids in the wine drive sweet and tart flavors to the far corners of the palate, as a flinty minerality and a soft dryness emerge.

Taste – Wild strawberry, tart bing cherry, dried cranberry, citrus and mixed red flower petals take lead. As the wine opens, it introduces subtle dried apricot and the softest hints of minerals and subtle white pepper.

Finish – Long and filled with flavor, with red fruit, flowers and citrus slowly tapering off in even proportion. At the tail end, minerals and the most subtle white pepper persist.

Conclusion – What an elegant, supple, delectable wine, this 2010 Vitus Rosé of Merlot is. Our tasting panel simply could not get enough of this refreshing, soft, delicious wine. In fact, our two sample bottles were emptied very quickly, as our panel experimentedwith sips and mouthfuls of varying sizes. We recommend that you try the same thing. Pair this fabulous wine with a fruit and cheese plate, or simply enjoy a glass or two in the sunshine!

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: John Gilpin

WINE EDUCATION: Cal Poly B.S U.C Davis – Oenology

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Winemaker for three labels

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Blending will always produce a better wine!

WINEMAKER QUOTE: ” Be Patient”

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: 6-1-04


We were unable to secure an interview with winemaker John Gilpin so here is the interview that Agent Red conducted when we featured the previous vintage of this wine.

WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, John. We are thrilled to be showing your wine today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

JOHN: Thanks, Agent Red, we are excited to be sharing our wine with your operatives, again.

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

JOHN: My very first taste.

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

JOHN: Helen Turley – she really got what Napa really was all about: Big, ripe wines.

RED: Who do you make wine for?

JOHN: I make the wine first for myself, because if I don’t like the wines I am making why bother.

RED: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

JOHN: With an open mind and with no preconceived ideas about the wine. Let the wine speak for itself!

RED: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

JOHN: I hope you enjoy the wine because there is a part of myself that goes into each bottle! Cheers!

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

Vitus Napa Valley can be tasted at the tasting room of our friends at Napa’s Bourassa Vineyards, the location of which can be seen in this satellite photo. Be sure to mention you are a wine spy when visiting

2007 Clary Ranch Wines 'Fleur de la Vigne' Pinot Noir

Mission Codename: The Dark Flower

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Send Agent Red to Clary Wine Cellars to investigate reports reports of their delicious, dark Pinot Noir – and secure an ample allotment for our Pinot-loving Operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Clary Ranch Cellars

Wine Subject: 2007 Fleur de la Vignes Pinot Noir – Sonoma Coast

Winemaker: Paul Clary

Backgrounder:

The Sonoma Coast AVA is the 750 square mile area with the Pacific ocean on its western boundary, the San Pablo Bay to the south and Mendocino County to the north, headed inland to the other designated AVAs in Sonoma County. The region is heavily influenced by the cooler ocean climate, increased rainfall and fog that lingers long on the coastal mountains. The specific climate suits the demanding Burgundian varietals of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay very well.

Today’s wine is a darker, more extracted and more concentrated interpretation of Pinot Noir than we are used to from a Sonoma Coast Pinot. We selected it for these very same reasons.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark burgundy hues with a deepening heart of darkest garnet. At the edge of the wine, where wine meets glass, a wide ring of rusty garnet encircles the wine. After swirling, long, heavy, wine-stained tears fall slowly from high up on the glass wall.

Smell – Jammy and almost port-like at first, leading with bold and jammy black fruit of blackberry, plum, blueberry and black currant. This wine needs some time to breathe before releasing some of its more subtle aromas. These include dried blueberry, cherry cola, warm brown spice, dried violets, cedar and toasty oak.

Feel – Smooth and round as it crosses the tip of the tongue. At the mid-palate, the wine gains some weight and dimension, giving it a more plush and full-bodied feel. Medium tannins add complexity, driving a dark dryness from the center to the edges of the palate.

Taste – Packed with dark flavors, displaying rich overripe blackberry, black cherry, wild dark strawberry and dried black flower petals. Earthy red cherry, black tea leaf, dried leather and dried herbs follow on.

Finish – Very long, with pronounced black fruit that lingers for a long time, ultimately yielding to earthy herbs, leather and black tea.

Conclusion – Today’s Pinot Noir is a unique wine among Pinots from the Sonoma Coast. It is far darker, far richer and far more fruitful than those that we’ve tasted to date. Allow the wine to breathe for at least 30 minutes for best results. Extended decanting (or hearty swirling!) like this allows the fruit to emerge, while also allowing some of the initial heat to blow off. On first eyeing this wine, some on our tasting panel assumed it to be a lighter Syrah. They were surprised to find out that it was a Pinot Noir. The wine is rich, somewhat jammy and laden with dark fruit. And so our tasting of this wine was filled with a certain intrigue; much discussion ensued and, in the end, we could not help but give this very interesting wine our recommendation.

2006 Fratelli Alessandria Barolo 'Gramolere' DOCG

Mission Codename: The Grandest ‘Gramolere’

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Secure an exceptional single vineyard Barolo with an amazing history.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Fratelli Alessandria

Wine Subject: 2006 Barolo ‘Gramolere’ DOCG

Winemaker: Vittore Alessandria

Backgrounder:

The greatest of all Italian wines are arguably made with from the Nebbiolo grape. Barolo, from the Piedmont made this grape famous, and for good reason. Most people don’t give Barolo enough time and drink them young, but those patient enough to wait at least ten years, and often as much as 20 plus years are handsomely rewarded with a wine that is the ultimate expression of the grape. The most prized bottlings of Barolo are those from an exceptional single vineyard such as today’s from the Monvigliero in Verduno.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark and deep garnet and ruby red with very pink and orange hues along the edges and a dark clear core. Clusters of slow fat legs ring the glass that are followed by thinner legs hang for a moment before slowly descending to the wine below.

Smell – This wine has a rich and redolent nose that really opens after decanting (an absolute must with this wine) with aromas of ripe spiced plum and tangy cherry tangy along with other earthy red and black berries are layered over delicious coffee, herbal including black licorice, rosemary and a thyme laced base. Highly complex, add floral violets, savory and mushroom notes, dusty earth, zesty Italian tar, and toasted oak.

Feel – Full-bodied, dry and bold with firm but silky textured, dusty, almost powdery and etched tannins (softens as it breathes) that generously expands to edges of the palate. Exceptional vibrant acidity and a earthy textured minerality that lingers on and on.

Taste – Rich, ripe and deeply complex initially but even more so after this wine opens to reveal its classic bold character. Balanced and its complex herbal and licorice over its plump, tangy and tart red fruit including tangy cherry, plum and raspberry. Zesty tar, floral violets, mushroom, dusty earth and a touch of cedar cigar box emerge and linger framing the fruit perfectly. As this wine opens, after several hours, the flavors integrate and reveal themselves.

Finish – Extremely long with tangy and sweet cherry, raspberry and spiced plum melding with the herbal, earthy and savory notes as this wine’s textured tannins, dusty minerality and acidity linger with slowly fading.

Conclusion – The 2006 Fratelli Alessandria Barolo ‘Gramolere’ DOCG is quite simply one of the finest Barolo we’ve reviewed this year. This is a wine that is both bold, focused but also elegant, representing the best of what Barolo is known for. This wine’s textured mouthfeel grasps and frames the fruit and other complex flavors long ito the finish. The epitome of Barolo is its bold elegant power. An exceptional wine that is perhaps five to ten years from getting close to its peak. As all exceptional Barolo, we love pairing this classic with simple buttered tagliatelle noodles and shaved truffles. If enjoying this wine now, be sure to give it plenty of time (open several hours before) or decant, otherwise cellar it for up to ten to fifteen and save it for a special occasion. Buona sera & cin cin!

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Vittore Alessandria

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Show through the wine the elegance and the balance of my territory: the hills of the Langhe area.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: “Wine is the poetry of the Earth.” (Mario Soldati)

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: The first Barolo produced by our cellar was a 1870 Barolo!


WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT WHITE: Greetings, Vittore, We are thrilled to be showing your 2006 Barolo Gramolere DOCG today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

VITTORE: I’m excited to be featured today on The Wine Spies, thanks for giving this opportunity.

WHITE: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

VITTORE: I born and I lived in a small village: Verduno in the middle of the Barolo area surrounded by Nebbiolo vineyards. For my family making wine it’s a tradition that has gone on for 150 years.

WHITE: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

VITTORE: All the wines and the winemakers that are able to give emotions, showing the “terroir” of origin and also stimulating the knowledge of this world.

WHITE: Who do you make wine for?

VITTORE: For wine consumers that love wine.

WHITE: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

VITTORE: Gramolere is a cru in Monforte d’Alba located between Gavarini and Bussia. Our vineyard has got South exposure, is at an altitude of 400 meters and is a over 40 year old. A big structure and character are the features of the Barolo from Monforte. The wine from Gramolere hill is characterized by delicate notes of herbs that melt into the typical complex scents of leather and liquorice.

WHITE: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

VITTORE: I think that it could be delicious with a stew of veal. But in any case the best pairing is with a good company!!

WHITE: In your opinion, what makes the Langhe and Barolo region so special?

VITTORE: There are many reasons that make the Langhe so lucky: for example the personal relationship between the producer and its vineyards, its casks and its customers. That it’s possible because, generally, in our region the cellars are family owned ! An other very special feature is the beautiful landscape – very charming-!

WHITE: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

VITTORE: First of all with the glass! :) Then I think that the best way is going deeper, to the origin, for example visiting the winery, meeting the wine producer and knowing the territory in which the grape is grown, discovering traditions, old recipes and different flavors.

WHITE: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

VITTORE: Verduno is unique: it’s one of the eleven villages where you can produce Barolo and the only one where you can produce Verduno Pelaverga, one of the smallest and most particular DOC of Italy. I would suggest to try it!

WHITE: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the approximate location of Fratelli Alessandria can be seen in this satellite photo.